New Classic Malt Selection released

Press release 11th October 2009

A limited edition of nine Single Malt Scotch Whiskies - some among the rarest and most sought after - have just been released from Diageo's stock. All are bottled at full cask strength.

The release includes three 30 year old Single Malts: Talisker?, from the famous distillery on the island of Skye, and two further releases, from finite and declining stocks, of Port Ellen? and Brora? - distilleries that closed for ever in 1983, and which have now acquired cult status among serious whisky enthusiasts and collectors.

The Port Ellen Single Malt is the ninth annual release, and only the second Port Ellen 30 year old to come from the distillers. The Brora 30 year old is the eighth of a very limited series of annual releases, and the most expensive of all this year's releases, with a recommended price of £230.

Other popular continuations from previous years' releases are a 12 year old Lagavulin?; the famously unpeated Caol Ila? (but this time in a 10 year old expression) and another majestic 25 year old Talisker.

Unusual Speysides

This year, whisky connoisseurs and collectors will also be intrigued by the presence of three differently aged, unusual and rare Speyside Single Malts.

Benrinnes?, rarely available as a Single Malt, comes as a 23 year old, rich and dark from the influence of European Oak sherry wood casks. Pittyvaich? has rarely been available and then usually in a heavily sherried style: this year's 20 year old bottling comes from refill American Oak which reveals this closed distillery's true spirit character. And a quite unique 18 year old Mannochmore? has been assembled from a combination of reconditioned bodega European Oak, bourbon casks, and new American Oak casks.

Global Availability

On sale in some 15 markets in N. America and Europe, but not all markets take all 9 products. Also available in selected global duty free outlets.